Did LAX Really Ban the Sale of Single-Use Plastic Bottled Water?

In a giant stride towards environmental sustainability via plastic waste reduction, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in the world, has announced an immediate ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. This ban supports the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Sustainability Action Plan's long-term goal to create zero waste, following the precedent set by San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in 2019.

 

LAX's Ambitious Zero-Waste Plan

The ban, announced on June 30, extends to all points of sale within the airport, including vending machines and events. The new policy, however, does not cover other bottled beverages nor the in-flight services on aircraft. Instead, the airport will offer water in refillable aluminum PATH bottles, single-use cartons, glass bottles, and other recyclable aluminum bottles.

 

LAWA reported that in 2019, more than 9 million plastic water bottles were sold at LAX, averaging a staggering 24,000 single-use plastic water bottles per day. With the ban, LAX aims to substantially decrease plastic waste and pollution substantially, encouraging passengers to join the fight against climate change by reducing their environmental footprint during travel.

 

A New PATH to Sustainability 

PATH has partnered with HMS Host to offer travelers a new, more convenient way to hydrate and generate less plastic waste at over 250 airport locations throughout the country. LAX is one of those locations, and this ban helps in the achievement of HMS Host goals to reduce airport waste, with a plan that includes offering travelers a refillable, recyclable water bottle. PATH is known for driving transformative change in consumer and corporate bottled water habits, and this collaboration aims to help airports and travelers do the same. 

 

"The climate crisis is a great challenge facing our city, and phasing out single-use plastic water bottles at LAWA facilities is an important step to reducing our environmental footprint," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "I want to thank LAWA for serving as a leader among airports around the world working to achieve a more sustainable future."

 

The Power of Traveling with a PATH

With a PATH bottle in hand, travelers can contribute to sustainable travel by reducing single-use plastic waste. As we know, plastic bottles live forever, only reducing in size as time goes on, turning into microplastics, and releasing harmful chemicals in the process. On the contrary, PATH's refillable, recyclable water bottles provide a better alternative that keeps passengers hydrated along their journey without creating unnecessary waste.

 

TLDR; Yes, and we can expect more airports to join. In a giant stride towards environmental sustainability via plastic waste reduction, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in the world, has announced an immediate ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. This ban supports the Los Angeles World Airports' (LAWA) Sustainability Action Plan's long-term goal to create zero waste, following the precedent set by San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in 2019.

 

Looking Towards a Sustainable Future

LAX's ban on single-use plastic water bottles is just one part of its comprehensive sustainability plan. LAWA's Sustainability Action Plan also includes:

• Achieving net-zero carbon emissions from LAWA operations by 2045.
• Using 100% renewable electricity by 2045.
• Ensuring no drinking water is used for non-potable purposes.

 

While this may be just one airport, the initiative taken by LAX reflects a broader shift in the industry. As other airports around the world begin to adopt similar policies, it's evident that sustainability is the future of travel. And we can make a worldwide impact through partnerships like that of LAX, PATH, and HMS host.

 

The Power of a Single-Use Plastic Ban

LAX's ban is a critical step toward environmental sustainability because it invites millions of passengers to join in on a simple switch with a big impact. It proves that collective action can make a substantial difference. As more airports join this movement, the industry can amplify its impact, sending a resonating message to other sectors and individuals alike: It is time we rethink our consumption habits, adopt more sustainable alternatives, and travel with an eye on tomorrow.